Tourette's Uncovered on Discovery Health - Outstanding

I was given the privilege of previewing an upcoming documentary to be shown on The Discovery Health channel for an interview I will be conducting with  Jaylen and Robin Arnold and Dash Mihok who are profiled on the program.  The interview will be on our Blog Talk Radio Sunday 9pm est. The Coffee Klatch will also be participating in a tweetchat being conducted by The Discovery Health Channel on Monday night at 9pm simultaneous with the premiere of the show.

"Tourette's Uncovered" Outstanding.  Absolutely outstanding.  As a special needs parent,  to watch these children and parents dealing with a severe form of this disorder was heart wrenching.  The sadness, pain and fear crept back instantly.  I can think of no other disorder as mystifying and misunderstood.  Tourette's is often thought of as the cursing disease and although some do have coprolalia, MOST do not, actually it is only a small percentage.  Although thought rare, one in one thousand children will be diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome every year at various degrees.  Co-morbidity with other disorders primarily Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Rage attacks and Sensory disorders complicate and often times cause even more distress than the tics themselves.

The unforgivable bullying and humorous connotations associated with Tourette's Syndrome only add to the pain and suffering of these children and adults.  Jaylen has created a campaign - Bullying No Way - and is a hero.  Truly a hero. What strikes me most about all of the four children profiled in this documentary is the power of their ability to self advocate.  Their insight into themselves, their humility and their bravery is astounding.

There is no possible way for anyone to understand the torment to child and parent unless you are living with it but this documentary offers a window into the lives of these families.  As with so many other special needs families, emotional and financial tolls are taken and unimaginable choices must be made.  Families are put in situations where they must choose medications with horrific side effects that have minimal effect on the disorder and in the most extreme cases, Deep Brain Stimulation surgery at a personal expense to the family of $125,000.

This documentary brings you into the lives of four families each dealing with the disorder in their own way, choosing their own treatments, educational options and giving a face and a reality to the disorder.

For those not familiar with Tourette Syndrome, you will be educated.  For those affected by Tourette Syndrome you will be given hope - respect and a purpose.  As I say all the time, with education will come compassion - it's time.


Tourette's Uncovered 9pm est The Discovery Health Channel